Chapter 41: Chapter 8
The air was thick with tension and bloodlust as the pirates, stunned by the sudden onslaught, desperately opened fire, their hands shaking with fear and uncertainty. Their shots were wild, their aim erratic, but the elite trainees were far from ordinary. The veterans of the elite camp moved with calculated precision, each strike executed with deadly efficiency. In a matter of moments, the pirates who had surrounded them were cut down, their bodies littering the ground in a chaotic sea of corpses.
The rookies, many of them still unaccustomed to the brutality of combat, stood frozen for a moment, eyes wide as they witnessed the carnage. Their stomachs churned, and the stench of blood was enough to make them feel nauseous. Even Hina, who was usually composed and strong-willed, felt the weight of the gruesome scene. Her breath hitched, and she instinctively stepped back, her gaze flickering between the dead bodies and the smirking veterans who seemed unfazed.
But Naruto, ever the unpredictable force, noticed her discomfort. With a gentle smile, he stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Sorry, Hina, but I won't be able to stay with you. It's going to get ugly," he said, his voice soft but firm. "I don't want you to see such things, especially since you're new to this." His words were meant to comfort her, but they also revealed the ruthlessness of the mission at hand.
Hina, though still rattled by the sights around her, was not one to be coddled. She looked up at Naruto, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Listen here, Naruto! Hina's not some damsel in distress! Hina is a fighter, and I will…" Her words were left hanging in the air as Naruto disappeared in a blur of motion, already moving toward the next battle.
"Damn you, Naruto!" Hina shouted in frustration, her face flushed with anger. "Don't let me catch you, or I swear I'll smack you!"
Adam, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, chuckled at Hina's reaction. "Looks like Naruto's got you riled up," he teased, but his smile quickly faded as he prepared to move out. "Challenge accepted. I'll show you who can get the most kills, Naruto. Just you wait."
Naruto, however, was already far ahead, his bloodlust consuming him. A crazed smile spread across his face as he moved like a beast on the hunt, cutting down anything that came into his path. His sword flashed in the sunlight as it cleaved through pirates with brutal force, leaving only lifeless bodies behind. Each slash, each kill, only fueled his desire for more. His movements were so fast, so relentless, that the pirates couldn't even react before they were overwhelmed. In his wake, there was nothing but carnage, the ground littered with pieces of flesh and the remains of those foolish enough to oppose him.
The seniors, watching from atop a nearby building, couldn't help but shake their heads with a sense of indifference. "This is too easy," one muttered, his tone laced with boredom. "What do you expect from a mission with rookies?" They had grown accustomed to the violence and bloodshed, and now, as they watched their younger counterparts tear through the island, they felt little more than a mild sense of amusement.
The pirates were no longer a challenge. Even the veterans had grown weary of the slaughter, leaving the rookies to handle the rest. As they ventured deeper into the island, Naruto's path of destruction led him to a large hotel. His senses flared as he detected powerful presences emanating from within. It was there, at the entrance, that he finally encountered his first real challenge—Jin Kazama, the right-hand man of the pirate captain Ken Masters, known as "The Devil" for his brutal and unforgiving nature.
"I'm happy to see you," Naruto muttered, his voice dripping with anticipation. His blood was boiling, the thrill of the fight consuming him.
Jin, however, was less than impressed. His cold eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, a menacing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "It's your death, kid," he sneered. "You're lucky we don't have time to play."
Naruto's smile only widened. "Yes, it's unfortunate we don't have the time to play. But justice will be served, filth," he retorted, his voice laced with disdain.
Without another word, Naruto moved. In an instant, he kicked out with such force that the very air seemed to tremble. The blow landed with a sickening impact, and Jin's body was shattered, reduced to nothing more than a mess of flesh and bone. Naruto stood over the wreckage, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the remains.
"Ah, so disappointing," Naruto muttered, shaking his head. He had hoped for more of a challenge, but the pirate was nothing but a pile of ruined flesh beneath his feet. "I should have held back a little for fun. Nah, filth needs to die, can't let them live another second. I'll just ask for a better mission next time."
Shaking his head as if to clear the bloodlust from his mind, Naruto took a deep breath, his gaze turning toward the hotel. He could sense three strong figures, along with the weaker presences of the remaining pirates, hiding in the basement. He wasn't done yet.
As he descended the stairs toward the basement, the air around him seemed to crackle with energy. Suddenly, a young man burst through the boards above him, launching an uppercut aimed squarely at Naruto's chin. The force behind the blow was enough to fell a large beast, and it would surely have done some serious damage if it connected. However, Ken's right-hand man was dealing with more than just fodder. He was dealing with the elite trainees.
Naruto's eyes flickered with recognition. He didn't move a muscle. With a sickening crack, the young man's fist collided with Naruto's hardened body—only for the punch to have no effect. Naruto's strength, combined with his mastery of Haki, absorbed the blow effortlessly. With a quick motion, he grabbed the young man by the throat and lifted him off the ground, squeezing until the pirate's breath faltered.
Naruto stood unmoving as Ken's powerful uppercut struck him, the sound of the impact echoing throughout the area. The force of the blow was enough to shake the ground beneath them, yet Naruto remained steadfast, not even flinching. Ken, on the other hand, felt a shock of pain run through his arm from the collision. His knuckles cracked, and his body trembled as the realization dawned on him: his opponent was no ordinary foe.
"Was that all, you scum?" Naruto's voice was dripping with disgust, the words carrying an air of contempt. With a swift motion, he grabbed Ken by the face, his fingers tightening like a vice as he slammed Ken's head into the ground with brutal force. Over and over, Naruto repeated the motion, the earth beneath them trembling with each strike.
Ken struggled, his eyes burning with rage as he tried to free himself from Naruto's unyielding grip. "Gahh..." he grunted, the pain from his face slamming into the ground again and again making it difficult to think. Desperation settled in, and he reached into his mouth, swallowing a special pill hidden within his jaw. The pill was meant for moments of extreme danger, capable of transforming the user into a powerful, berserk form—but at a cost. The side effects would drain his life force, but Ken didn't care. He had no other choice.
Naruto watched as Ken's body began to change. His muscles swelled, his skin darkened, and he grew to an imposing height of three meters. The transformation had stripped Ken of most of his intelligence, leaving him with only a raw, primal rage. The newly transformed Ken roared, his footwork clumsy but powerful as he lunged toward Naruto.
Naruto, however, was unfazed. With his mastery of Haki, he could feel Ken's every movement, and he easily dodged the first kick aimed at his midsection. Grabbing Ken's massive foot, Naruto applied a force so strong that it sent Ken hurtling through the air, crashing into the ground outside the hotel. But Naruto wasn't done. He leaped after Ken, using his momentum to slam both legs into the beast's abdomen. The impact was devastating, causing Ken to cough up blood as his body caved in from the sheer force.
"This is just pitiful," Naruto muttered, shaking his head with a disdainful look on his face. "Reminds me of Mizuki that one time." With a swift motion, he drew his spear and plunged it into Ken's skull, ending the fight in an instant. After cleaning the blood from his spear, Naruto turned toward the basement entrance, which had partially collapsed, the weight of the destruction claiming the lives of some of the slaves below.
'It's sad, but I'm no miracle worker,' Naruto thought, his expression darkening for a moment as he acknowledged the inevitable casualties.
As Naruto descended into the basement, he could sense a strong presence nearby. Entering the room, he was met with the sight of a girl with white hair and crimson eyes, dressed in a flowing white outfit. She was locked in a battle with a cloaked figure, her movements desperate as she struggled against the sea stone cuff chained to her ankle. The cloaked figure stood with an air of superiority, his annoyance evident as he kicked the girl to the ground.
Naruto's gaze shifted to the girl, and despite her tough exterior, there was a hint of suspicion in her eyes as she looked up at him. "Don't worry, girl," Naruto called out to her in a calm, almost soothing tone. "We're here to save you. And you," he turned his attention to the cloaked figure, his voice dripping with mockery, "I'm getting bored already, so could you just fall dead?"
The cloaked figure sneered, clearly unimpressed. "Damned Government dog, know your place. Do not interfere, or you will regret this very day," he hissed, the venom in his words thick.
Naruto's smile widened as he raised an eyebrow. "I know not what 'regret' means, but I told you to die, so no more chit-chat, scum," he said, his voice filled with excitement and bloodlust. His eyes shone with madness as he took a step forward, his whole being exuding an aura of menace.
"Che, another insane bastard like Akainu," the cloaked figure muttered, unfazed by Naruto's threats. But the moment Naruto launched into action with a burst of speed, the cloaked figure seemed to hesitate, though he still had the confidence to remain motionless, waiting for the blow.
Naruto, using Soru, blitzed toward the cloaked figure, his speed blinding. With a wide, maniacal grin, he kicked the figure with all his might. The impact sent the cloaked man hurtling through the air, his body crashing into the edge of the island with enough force to shatter the rocks beneath him.
"Haha! damning scum thought he could rely on being a Logia," Naruto laughed, his voice filled with pure, unrestrained joy as he watched the cloaked figure disappear into the distance. "Pathetic."
As he moved toward the edge of the island, Naruto was unaware that his enemy was still alive, though severely wounded. The cloaked figure clutched his broken arm, his teeth gritted in pain as he staggered to his feet. "Damn, damn," he muttered through clenched teeth. "How could that dog know Haki already? damn this shit. I wasn't paid for this."
With great effort, the cloaked figure retreated, fleeing the scene as quickly as he could, knowing that he had narrowly escaped death. "damning brat," he cursed under his breath. "Next time, I'll kill you for this insult."
Meanwhile, from a distance, Z stood silently, watching the unfolding chaos. His eyes narrowed as he observed Naruto's rampage. Paper fluttered through the air, carried by the wind, as Z's mind raced with thoughts. "This was more special than I thought," he muttered, his expression unreadable. "To have a Logia user involved... This could be interesting." His gaze drifted into the distance, his face reflecting a complicated mix of emotions as he contemplated the events unfolding on the island.
Naruto stood still for a moment as the cloaked figure's presence vanished beyond his range. A surge of rage built up inside him, and without a second thought, he hurled one of his daggers with incredible speed. The blade sliced through the air, finding its mark and piercing the body of a pirate who had been fleeing the scene. The figure crumpled to the ground, a lifeless corpse before it even hit the earth.
"Huu, calm down," Naruto muttered to himself, attempting to rein in his volatile emotions. "We will get him another time. Nothing escapes the fangs of justice." He steadied his breath, collecting himself before turning back toward the hotel.
His first instinct was to help the girl, but he knew there were others who needed saving first. As he moved through the other rooms of the hotel, Naruto freed the captured individuals, each one left in a pitiful state. Some were too broken to even acknowledge their freedom, their bodies mangled by the horrors they had endured. For those that could not be saved, Naruto performed the mercy of ending their suffering, his face darkening with the weight of the decision.
"It is better for you," he whispered to the lifeless bodies, "as the Marines do not have the funds or resources for this kind of treatment. I apologize for this choice." The sorrow in his words was genuine—he had done this before, not only to strangers but sometimes even to comrades. Death was something he had grown familiar with, though it still weighed heavily on his heart.
After finishing his grim task, Naruto moved toward the room where the girl awaited. As he entered, he could see her eyes flicking nervously, her body tense with fear and suspicion. She was visibly jumpy, prepared to defend herself at any moment.
"Don't come any closer," she demanded, her voice trembling.
Naruto paused, his steps slowing as he assessed her. "Then how will I help you?" he asked calmly.
"I don't need anyone's help," she shot back, her tone defiant.
"You'll never get out of here with that attitude," Naruto responded, his voice firm but not unkind. As she struggled against the chains binding her, he crouched down to inspect the lock. It took several moments, but eventually, he managed to undo it.
Once free, the girl wasted no time. Her fingers morphed into sharp, blood-colored claws, and she lashed out at him. The claws scraped against his dark armor, producing an ear-piercing screech that echoed through the room.
"That is really not nice," Naruto muttered, his expression hardening as the girl continued her attack. He reached out, and with a single swipe, he slapped her across the face. The force of the blow sent her flying into the wall with a crash.
"That should shut her up until I deliver her to Z," Naruto muttered under his breath, wiping away the distaste he felt at the girl's behavior. Her insolence reminded him of the ungrateful people from his past life, those who had driven him to frustration and fury.
Naruto moved to pick her up, but just as his hand reached for her, the girl stirred, her eyes fluttering open. A smile spread across her face, one full of innocence and a strange, unsettling cheerfulness.
"Big brother, you're a hero, aren't you?" she asked with a wide grin. "You saved Shiro, so I'm sorry for how I acted before."
Naruto blinked in surprise. Her tone was completely different from the hostile attitude she had just shown, and her gaze held a certain purity that felt disarming. It took him a moment to process what was happening. 'A split personality?' he thought, realizing the shift in her behavior.
"Big brother," she continued, her voice bright, "Can I get armor like this? Shiro would be so happy to have cool armor like yours!" Her eyes sparkled as she hugged his armored body, her small frame pressing against the cold metal.
Naruto, still feeling awkward, stiffened slightly. "No, if you want one, join the Marines," he replied swiftly, his voice growing more composed as he took a step back. The moment of awkwardness passed, and he began walking toward the ship with the girl—Shiro—hanging casually on his neck, her innocent smile never faltering.
"Then how can I become a Marine?" Shiro asked eagerly, her curiosity evident in her tone.
"I will handle it," Naruto said, thinking ahead. "But in return, can you serve me? I promise to treat you well." He took the opportunity to recruit a potential ally, someone who could become a strong fighter, given the right guidance.
"Big brother saved Shiro, so Shiro will obviously help if needed," she said cheerfully, as if there was no question about it. Her loyalty, though perhaps naïve, was unwavering, and she seemed content to follow him without hesitation.
As they made their way back to the ship, Naruto could feel the eyes of the others on him. The veterans and rookies alike stared in surprise as he walked with the girl draped over his neck. Hina, in particular, seemed uneasy, her gaze fixed on the scene with a mixture of confusion and something else—a hint of jealousy, perhaps, or maybe discomfort. Seeing a beautiful girl hanging off Naruto, who had once been so distant, was a jarring sight for her.
Naruto, however, didn't seem to notice the looks or the subtle tension. His focus was entirely on the task ahead. As the ship loomed closer, he thought about the road that lay before them. The battles ahead would only grow more difficult, but with Shiro by his side, he felt a sense of purpose. Even if she was unpredictable, her potential was undeniable. And in this chaotic world, that was something he could use.
Naruto walked past Adam with a mischievous grin, leaning in slightly and whispering, "I won you guys. Get ready to treat me to all the money you've gathered."
Adam's eyes widened, and he groaned in frustration. "Damn."
"Damn," Drake muttered, rolling his eyes.
It wasn't the first time this kind of competition had taken place, and they all knew the rules. No lying about the outcomes, or else you'd end up as a naked spectacle hanging over Marineford for the world to see. They had all learned the hard way at some point. Naruto, being the trickster he was, always found a way to win and make sure they paid up when the time came.
Naruto walked toward Z, who was watching the recruits with approval. The veteran Marine had seen the effort and growth in his team. They had done well.
"Teacher, I've saved the slaves, and among them, I found this girl," Naruto said, his tone serious but respectful as he motioned to Shiro. "She is a Logia user and wishes to join the Marines. Could you please let her join us? She's strong enough."
Z turned his gaze to Shiro, scrutinizing her as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. His eyes narrowed as he quickly assessed her, realizing there was something significant about the girl. Her abilities, her aura, and the history behind her—he could tell she wasn't just another random slave.
"Ah, so that's what made this place special," Z muttered, piecing things together. "She's from an ancient tribe, isn't she? She must have eaten one of their sacred fruits, the one the tribe's chosen would consume. A tribe that was likely wiped out by enemies."
Naruto nodded, confirming his suspicions.
Z sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I'll test her once we get back, but she should be fine. Leave her to me."
Without another word, Z bent down and picked Shiro up like a kitten, lifting her effortlessly from Naruto's shoulders. She seemed content in his grasp, completely at ease. Z turned toward the recruits and addressed them.
"You've all done well. Now, eat and rest once we board, and we'll head home today," Z ordered, his voice firm yet appreciative. He made his way to the ship, disappearing into his cabin as the recruits prepared to return to their duties.
Hina, who had been watching Naruto closely, walked up to him, her curiosity evident in her eyes. "Who was that girl, and why did you let her do that?"
Naruto removed his helmet slowly, his eyes meeting hers. He was calm, his expression unreadable. "Her name is Shiro. I saved her from captivity. She just boarded me, and I didn't mind. If you want, I can let you do that as well."
His words, said with a straight face, left Hina slightly flustered. Her thoughts were spinning, and her face flushed with embarrassment at the implication of his suggestion. "No need," she quickly replied, her voice laced with frustration, "Hina will be resting now."
A little distance away, the rest of the team stood in quiet observation, their eyes flicking back and forth between Naruto and Hina. Adam, ever the curious one, leaned in toward Smoker, a grin playing on his face.
"How long do you think before Hina confesses?" Adam asked, his voice filled with playful teasing.
Smoker raised an eyebrow, his tone dry as ever. "I don't think she knows what she's feeling. And why are we even talking about this?"
"I thought that's what friends do," Adam replied with a laugh. "Plus, it'll be good blackmail material for later. Imagine the embarrassing moments we could bring up in the future."
Drake, who had been quiet until now, let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "What has life come to? I feel like I'm hanging with a bunch of noble girls."
The group fell into a comfortable silence, the awkward tension between Naruto and Hina easing as they moved back toward the ship. The atmosphere shifted back to their usual camaraderie, but there was a sense of something unspoken, something quietly developing that none of them could ignore.